The MEA stressed strong India-Italy ties and called for mutual respect after Congress leaders’ remarks involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni triggered a political controversy.

MEA Responds To Row

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday underlined the strength of India-Italy ties and urged political leaders to maintain mutual respect in public discourse after remarks involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni triggered a controversy.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue during a regular media briefing in New Delhi while responding to questions about comments made by Congress leaders regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.

Jaiswal Stresses Respect

Jaiswal said India’s relationship with Italy had expanded and strengthened in recent years. He stressed that diplomatic engagement required both sides to remain respectful of each other.

“We have strong ties with Italy,” Jaiswal said, adding that the relationship had grown “in every which way”. He also referred to mutual understanding between the two countries while responding to the political controversy.

Remarks Trigger Political Row

The MEA response followed remarks by Congress leaders during a political event that criticised the Modi government’s approach to foreign policy.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had attacked what he described as an excessive focus on personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and foreign leaders. His comments included a reference to Meloni and drew a sharp response from BJP leaders.

The exchange subsequently brought India’s relationship with Italy into the political discussion.

Italy Holds Strategic Importance

India and Italy have developed their relationship significantly in recent years. The two countries elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in 2023, providing a broader framework for cooperation across political, economic and security areas.

According to the MEA, Italy considers India an important partner in Europe and the Mediterranean, while India views Italy as an important European partner.

Modi-Meloni Engagement

Prime Minister Modi and Meloni have maintained regular high-level engagement since Meloni became Italy’s prime minister.

Meloni visited India in March 2023 and attended the Raisina Dialogue. Modi subsequently visited Italy for the G7 Summit in June 2024 and held bilateral discussions with Meloni. The two leaders also met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.

Five-Year Action Plan

The bilateral relationship also received a policy framework through the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025-29. The plan outlines cooperation in areas including trade, investment, defence, space, clean energy, innovation and mobility.

The MEA’s latest bilateral brief describes India and Italy as countries with longstanding cultural links and strong people-to-people connections, including a sizeable Indian diaspora in Italy.

Political Comments Under Watch

The MEA’s intervention reflects the government’s effort to separate domestic political criticism from India’s wider diplomatic relationships. While political parties continue to debate the merits of the government’s foreign policy, the ministry has emphasised that bilateral partnerships should remain grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

The episode has also highlighted the sensitivity surrounding public references to foreign leaders during domestic political campaigns. With India-Italy ties continuing to expand across multiple sectors, the government is likely to keep the focus on the broader strategic relationship rather than allow political exchanges to define bilateral engagement.